Intel names Brian Krzanich as new CEO

Brian Krzanich has been named as Paul Otellini's successor as Intel's chief executive, while Renée James becomes the company's president.

Intel has finally named the successor to the role of chief executive officer, just two weeks ahead of Paul Otellini's retirement.

Announced back in November last year, Otellini's retirement came as a shock to nobody: after 40 years continuous service at the company, having joined just five years after it was founded, Otellini had certainly earned some time off. While no successor was named, three senior employees were picked to be raised to executive vice presidential level: Renée James, head of Intel's software business, Brian Krzanich, chief operating officer and head of worldwide manufacturing, and Stacy Smith, chief financial officer and director of corporate strategy.

Now, with just two weeks to go before Otellini packs up his desk and walks off into the sunset, Intel has finally revealed which of the three will be stepping into his shoes: Brian Krzanich.

An Intel employee since 1982, Krzanich - aged 52 - made the typical transition from technical roles to leadership before being named as chief operating officer in January last year. Like Otellini, Krzanich is a time-served Intel man, having led the Fab/Sort Manufacturing arm for four years and the Assembly and Test unit for another four. Prior to that, Krzanich spent a couple of years rolling out the 0.13 micron process node to Intel's various factories starting in 2001, a role he entered after having served as the plant manager at Intel's Fab 17 where he oversaw the integration of manufacturing operations obtained from the Digital Equipment Corporation. In short: Krzanich has seen Intel from both sides of the boardroom.

'After a thorough and deliberate selection process, the board of directors is delighted that Krzanich will lead Intel as we define and invent the next generation of technology that will shape the future of computing,' said Andy Bryant, Intel's chair, of the appointment. 'Brian is a strong leader with a passion for technology and deep understanding of the business. His track record of execution and strategic leadership, combined with his open-minded approach to problem solving has earned him the respect of employees, customers and partners worldwide. He has the right combination of knowledge, depth and experience to lead the company during this period of rapid technology and industry change.'

'I am deeply honored by the opportunity to lead Intel,' said Krzanich. 'We have amazing assets, tremendous talent, and an unmatched legacy of innovation and execution. I look forward to working with our leadership team and employees worldwide to continue our proud legacy, while moving even faster into ultra-mobility, to lead Intel into the next era.'

Krzanich will be supported in his role by Renée James, who is being promoted from leading Intel's software arm to becoming the president of the company. Like Krzanich, James - 48 - is a time-served Intel employee, having joined the company 25 years ago. Prior to her ascension to the role, James served as chief of staff for former Intel chief executive Andy Grove, chaired Intel's software subsidiaries Havok, McAfee and Wind River, and spearheaded the company's expansion into the smartphone market - a move which is looking increasingly important to the company's future.

Both Krzanich and James will assume their new roles at the company on the 16th of May, the day when Otellini waves goodbye to a company he has seen grow from $38.8 billion in revenue to $54 billion under his auspice.